AI and Ranganathan: Modernizing "Save the Time of the Reader"

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the landscape of information management, access, and retrieval in libraries. This paper explores how AI-driven technologies modernize Dr. S. R. Ranganathan’s timeless Fourth Law of Library Science — “Save the Time of the Reader.” By integrating machine learning, natural language processing, and recommender systems, libraries today can anticipate user needs, automate cataloging, personalize information services, and enhance search precision. The study highlights how AI applications such as chatbots, semantic search tools, and intelligent metadata management not only expedite user access but also redefine the librarian’s role in the digital age. Through this synergy between Ranganathan’s principles and AI innovation, libraries can continue to uphold their foundational mission of facilitating efficient and meaningful access to knowledge